Members of the Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department honored

Published
7:00 pm EST, Tuesday, November 24, 2009

NORWALK

By FRANCIS X. FAY JR.

Hour Staff Writer

Several members of the Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department were recognized for merit at the 107th annual dinner of the Rowayton Hose Company. The department has devoted more than 1,100 service hours to the community so far this year.

Darren Humphries, a bond salesman and native of South Africa living on Wilson Point, joined the volunteers less than two years ago and was named "Rookie-of-the-Year."

Jason Sequiero, a four-year member and graduate of Norwalk High School in 1985 who is an accountant for Jet Blue, was named "Firefighter-of-the-Year."

The annual award that has been presented by Chief Edwin Carlson in recent years to a member who demonstrates creativity and initiative went to his son, Andrew, a 15-year member. The chief also recognized Tom Murray, a 38-year member and nearby resident, with a special citation for responding to daytime alarms for many of those years.

Lt. Dan Oak, another four-year member living near the firehouse, was given the award for "Best Attendance at Alarms," while Jake Raymond, Rookie-of-the-Year in 2008, earned the "Best Attendance at Drills" citation. The Norwalk Community College student is the grandson of the late hose company president, Frank Raymond, and the son of current president Jack Raymond.

It was announced that Donald Kiggins, who did not attend, is the longest living member of the organization, having joined the company 69 years ago and continued to renew his membership ever since. Former company president Douglas Morrison, a member 65 years, also did not attend, although he has been active until recently. Robert T. "Doc" Dowling, a member for 60 years, was also absent. Joseph Kilbourn, a former five-year president and a member for more than 55 years, did attend as the senior member.

Chief Engineer Douglas Morrison Jr. occupies the same position in the department handled by his father at one point before becoming hose company president.

Sixth Taxing District Commissioners Michael Barbis and Tammy Langalis attended, the latter providing a joke in the tradition established by the first female to attend the dinner. Commissioner Grace W. Lichtenstein (1983-95), an experienced thespian, always drew a raucus reaction with her risque stories.

The hose company is the corporation that owns the firehouse and raises money in an annual fund drive for various activities and equipment. The fire department comprises the active membership which operates the fire fighting equipment paid for by the taxpayers.

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